Garner is back

James Garner has today re-joined The Reds on a season long loan from Manchester United.

The popular midfielder signed a new contract at Old Trafford yesterday running to 2024 with a year’s extension and then immediately returned to The City Ground to sign on loan for Forest.

Garner has already featured seven times for United’s first team and played during their pre-season programme and also captained the Red Devils through age groups having joined their academy at the age of eight.

He made 20 appearances for The Reds last season, scoring his first Forest goal at Pride Park, the winner at Cardiff, and then eye-catching long-range strikes against QPR and Preston.

James Garner said: “I’m made up to be back. It's been quite a long process but I’m looking forward to playing in front of Forest fans for the first time.

“It was good for me to get game time last season and score goals in important games like Derby. I know how much that match means to the club and I’m looking forward to Saturday.

“I think I matured off the pitch and on the pitch playing against good opposition every week with seasoned pros. I think the Championship is one of the toughest leagues.

“The fans have been great to me across social media since day one despite me not being able to play in front of them. That's a big reason why I wanted to come back and, of course, the manager and the players here that I already know.

Forest Manager Chris Hughton said: “We’re really delighted to have James back at the club.

“We’ve had the benefit of working with James for a long period last season and know exactly what qualities he brings to the side.

“It will also therefore be a very quick settling in period for him which is important.

“We are really grateful to Manchester United for allowing James to come back to The City Ground to continue his development.

“He’s player that made a very good impression around the club last season and we saw him develop on and off the pitch during that period.

“He has trained with the squad this morning and is available for Tuesday’s match against Wolves at The City Ground”.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke of Garner’s ability in his press conference on Friday and said the midfielder would need to go out on loan to gain further experience.

“He’s done really well in pre-season and really impressed me,” the manager explained. “I think for his career playing regularly in the Championship will help him.”

Tickets for the Carabao Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers are on general sale now.

Prices for season card holders from just £2 up to £15 for adults.

Kick off at The City Ground is 8pm.